Rediscovering Worth: Mephibosheth's Journey of Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delve into the story of Mephibosheth, a man who was the last remaining descendant of Saul, the first king of Israel. This narrative is a powerful reminder of God's grace and the importance of recognizing our worth, despite our circumstances. We began by acknowledging the significance of Men's Month at our church, emphasizing the theme "I Am." This theme is not just for men but for everyone, as it challenges us to understand who we are in Christ.
We started by reading from 2 Samuel 9:1, where David asks if there is anyone left from the house of Saul to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan's sake. This question sets the stage for our exploration of Mephibosheth's life. Mephibosheth was crippled and living in a place called Lodibar, which means desolate and forgotten. Despite his physical and emotional state, David sought him out to show him kindness.
We discussed the various problems facing our brothers today, such as acceptance and respect, but highlighted that the root issue is often a lack of understanding of who we are. We explored the idea that many of us are like Mephibosheth, feeling forgotten and crippled by our past. However, God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and He has a plan for each of us.
Mephibosheth's story is a testament to the fact that our worth is not determined by our physical or emotional state. Despite being dropped and crippled, Mephibosheth did not let his condition define him. He used what he had to achieve what he wanted. This is a powerful lesson for all of us: to use what God has given us, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
We also touched on the importance of not letting the dead parts of our lives speak to the living parts. Mephibosheth did not let his crippled legs stop him from living a fruitful life. Similarly, we should not let our past failures or current struggles dictate our future. God has a plan for us, and He can use even the broken parts of our lives for His glory.
David's search for someone from Saul's house to show kindness to is a reflection of God's relentless pursuit of us. Despite our flaws and failures, God seeks us out to bless us. David's promise to Jonathan to take care of his family is a reminder of God's covenant with us. God remembers His promises and is faithful to fulfill them, regardless of our condition.
We concluded by encouraging everyone to see themselves as God sees them: forgiven, justified, sanctified, and a new creation. We are children of God, and He has great plans for us. We must rise above our circumstances and declare, "Here I am," ready to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Our Worth: Many of us struggle with acceptance and respect, but the root issue is often a lack of understanding of who we are in Christ. We must recognize that our worth is not determined by our circumstances or past failures. God has a plan for each of us, and His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. [06:33]
2. Using What We Have: Mephibosheth's story teaches us to use what God has given us, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Despite being crippled, he did not let his condition define him. Similarly, we should not let our limitations stop us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. [18:56]
3. Not Letting the Dead Parts Speak: We must not let the dead parts of our lives speak to the living parts. Mephibosheth did not let his crippled legs stop him from living a fruitful life. We should not let our past failures or current struggles dictate our future. God can use even the broken parts of our lives for His glory. [15:05]
4. God's Relentless Pursuit: David's search for someone from Saul's house to show kindness to is a reflection of God's relentless pursuit of us. Despite our flaws and failures, God seeks us out to bless us. His covenant with us is a reminder of His faithfulness to fulfill His promises, regardless of our condition. [27:17]
5. Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us: We must see ourselves as God sees us: forgiven, justified, sanctified, and a new creation. We are children of God, and He has great plans for us. We must rise above our circumstances and declare, "Here I am," ready to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [32:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Opening Prayer
[02:23] - VIP Guest Acknowledgment
[02:53] - Introduction to Men's Month
[03:40] - Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 9:1
[04:37] - Theme Introduction: "Here I Am"
[05:57] - Problems Facing Our Brothers
[06:33] - Understanding Our Worth
[07:32] - Mephibosheth's Background
[08:35] - The Problem of Not Healing Right
[10:34] - The Knock on the Door
[13:07] - Living Beyond the Fall
[15:05] - Not Letting the Dead Parts Speak
[16:45] - Command to Get Up
[18:09] - Effort and Determination
[18:56] - Using What We Have
[19:36] - David's Search for Kindness
[20:19] - Forgotten by Family
[21:44] - The Last One Left
[23:18] - God's Covenant Over Condition
[24:04] - The Impact of Being Dropped
[25:32] - Keeping Our Word
[26:46] - Ziba's Report
[27:17] - God's Relentless Pursuit
[28:16] - Blessings Tracking You Down
[29:37] - Making Your Name Great
[30:55] - God's Higher Thoughts
[32:45] - Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us
[33:20] - Call to Salvation
[34:11] - Invitation to the Altar
[35:11] - Romans 10:9
[36:04] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Samuel 9:1 (NIV): "David asked, 'Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was David's initial question in 2 Samuel 9:1, and why did he ask it? [03:40]
2. Describe Mephibosheth's physical condition and living situation as mentioned in the sermon. [07:32]
3. How did Mephibosheth's condition come about, and what was the root problem according to the sermon? [08:35]
4. What was David's response when he learned about Mephibosheth's condition and location? [27:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that David sought out someone from Saul's house to show kindness to, despite Saul's history with David? [03:40]
2. How does Mephibosheth's story illustrate the concept of not letting the "dead parts" of our lives speak to the living parts? [15:05]
3. In what ways does David's promise to Jonathan reflect God's covenant with us, as discussed in the sermon? [23:18]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should view our worth and identity in Christ, despite our past or current struggles? [32:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt forgotten or overlooked. How can Mephibosheth's story encourage you to see your worth in God's eyes? [07:32]
2. What are some "dead parts" of your life that you have allowed to speak to the living parts? How can you begin to silence those dead parts and focus on the fruitful areas of your life? [15:05]
3. David showed kindness to Mephibosheth despite his condition. How can you show kindness to someone in your life who may feel forgotten or overlooked? [27:17]
4. The sermon emphasized using what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Identify a gift or talent you have been underestimating. How can you start using it to fulfill God's purpose for your life? [18:56]
5. Think about a promise or commitment you have made to someone. How can you ensure that you remain faithful to that promise, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenant with us? [25:32]
6. The sermon mentioned God's relentless pursuit of us. How have you experienced God's pursuit in your life, and how can you respond to it? [27:17]
7. The theme "I Am" challenges us to understand who we are in Christ. What steps can you take this week to see yourself as God sees you: forgiven, justified, sanctified, and a new creation? [32:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Worth
Many of us struggle with acceptance and respect, but the root issue is often a lack of understanding of who we are in Christ. We must recognize that our worth is not determined by our circumstances or past failures. God has a plan for each of us, and His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Mephibosheth's story is a powerful reminder that our value is not based on our physical or emotional state but on God's unchanging love and purpose for us. Despite being crippled and living in a desolate place, Mephibosheth was sought out by King David to receive kindness and honor. This reflects how God seeks us out, regardless of our condition, to bless us and fulfill His promises.
[06:33]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt unworthy or forgotten. How can you remind yourself today that your worth is determined by God's love and purpose for you, not by your circumstances or past failures?
Day 2: Using What We Have
Mephibosheth's story teaches us to use what God has given us, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Despite being crippled, he did not let his condition define him. Similarly, we should not let our limitations stop us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. God has equipped each of us with unique gifts and abilities, and He calls us to use them for His glory. Mephibosheth's life is a testament to the power of determination and faith in God's plan, even when faced with significant challenges.
[18:56]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify one gift or ability that you have been hesitant to use because you feel it is insignificant. How can you start using it today to serve others and fulfill God's purpose for your life?
Day 3: Not Letting the Dead Parts Speak
We must not let the dead parts of our lives speak to the living parts. Mephibosheth did not let his crippled legs stop him from living a fruitful life. We should not let our past failures or current struggles dictate our future. God can use even the broken parts of our lives for His glory. By focusing on God's promises and His ability to redeem and restore, we can move forward with hope and purpose, leaving behind the weight of our past.
[15:05]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past failure or current struggle have you been allowing to dictate your future? How can you trust God to use even the broken parts of your life for His glory?
Day 4: God's Relentless Pursuit
David's search for someone from Saul's house to show kindness to is a reflection of God's relentless pursuit of us. Despite our flaws and failures, God seeks us out to bless us. His covenant with us is a reminder of His faithfulness to fulfill His promises, regardless of our condition. Just as David honored his promise to Jonathan, God remains faithful to His promises to us, seeking us out with love and grace.
[27:17]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt pursued by God's love and grace. How can you respond to His relentless pursuit today by drawing closer to Him?
Day 5: Seeing Ourselves as God Sees Us
We must see ourselves as God sees us: forgiven, justified, sanctified, and a new creation. We are children of God, and He has great plans for us. We must rise above our circumstances and declare, "Here I am," ready to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are loved and valued by our Creator.
[32:45]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How do you see yourself in light of your identity in Christ? What steps can you take today to embrace and live out this identity, rising above your circumstances to fulfill God's purpose for your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But you keep hanging around people that don't know your worth. If you're handicapped in one area, I command you to have a harvest in another. I'm not asking you, I'm commanding you. I command you to get off your high horse and come out of depression and get out of frustration and get out of the pity party. Get out of your feelings and feeling sorry for yourself and get up and do something. Somebody say, here I am. Here I am. I'm lame. So what? Get up and live. My daddy didn't raise me. So what? Get up. Raise your own kids. My mama didn't hug me. So what? Get up, hug yourself." [16:45]
2. "Use what you got to get what's yours. Use what you got. God has blessed you with something. And you sitting back thinking, oh, that ain't nothing. You know, everybody can do this. Use what you got to get what God has for you. David says, is there anybody left in the house of Saul? Anybody. I'm just looking for one person. God is just looking for one person. All he needs is one. Is there one person here at the real church that's ready for what God has in store for you? He don't need everybody. But is there one person that can stand at their feet and shout, here I am?" [18:56]
3. "I came to tell you that God is about to make your name great. God is about to expunge your record. God is about to make your name great. I don't care what you used to smoke or what you used to drink. God is about to make your name great. It doesn't matter that you used to sleep around. God is about to make your name great. I know you don't have all the degrees and the diplomas, but God is about to make your name great. So what? She left you. God is about to make your name great. Your credit score is about to increase. Your name is about to be great. Is there anybody here that can thank God in advance?" [29:37]
4. "I destroy every spirit of self-pity in this room today. I come against low self-esteem right now in the name of Jesus. I know, brothers, you have been through a lot. I know you've seen a lot. You've heard a lot. You've experienced a lot. But I speak life into you right now. That here I am. Here I am. And I want you to see yourself the way that God sees you. I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not beneath. I am the lender and not the borrower. I am." [31:36]
5. "I came to tell you that you may be lame in one area. But you are fruitful in another. And I want you to find your fruitful place. He didn't let his feet speak to his future. He didn't let his fall determine his future. His legs didn't work. But he didn't let his legs speak to his loins. Now, his legs didn't work. But he didn't let his legs stop him from spitting game to that woman. He didn't let it stop him. He didn't let what wasn't working speak to that that was working." [14:05]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When I look back at this text, I find a man named Mephibosheth, who was the only one left in the house of Saul. Yes, he is crippled. Yes, he is lame. Yes, he is in a place called Lodibar, which means desolate, empty, forgotten about. He's been forgotten about. Nobody wants him. He's been dropped. Let me give you his background so you can truly appreciate what I'm talking about." [07:32]
2. "The problem was not that he was dropped. The problem was that after he was dropped, he didn't heal properly. Can I suggest to you that the problem with most of us in here is not that we were dropped. The problem is we ain't healed right. We haven't healed right. When you don't heal right, and the bones don't fuse together properly, you will cause yourself to have a limp. Brothers, let's be honest. Because we didn't heal right, we're limping in our marriages. Because we didn't heal right, we're limping in our relationships. Because we didn't heal right, we're limping with our kids. We're limping in our careers. We're limping in our health. We're limping in our spiritual lives, all because we didn't heal right." [08:35]
3. "You let the dead part of you speak to the living part of you. You let that dead relationship speak to your heart. You let that dead circumstance speak according to your condition instead of speaking to your condition. And say, even though my legs don't work, it's not going to stop everything else from working. Look at somebody and say, that may be dead. But this is still living. That might not work. But this still works. Just because your legs don't work, don't mean you got to have an attitude every day. Stop letting the dead part of you speak." [15:05]
4. "The condition of Mephibosheth was so critical, that he had to face something that he never thought he would have to face. But thank God that God overlooked the condition and remembers the covenant. I thank God that he overlooks the condition and remembers the covenant. The Bible says that 20 years before Mephibosheth was ever dropped, David was already promised Jonathan that he would take care of his family. Thank God for the covenant. Somebody say, thank God for the covenant." [22:26]
5. "I came to tell seven people that will receive it by faith that in the last half of 2024, blessings gonna be tracking you down. Blessings gonna be tracking you down. You ain't even gonna have to go look for it. You ain't gonna have to beg nobody. You ain't gonna have to write nobody. Blessings are gonna be tracking you down. God is gonna send somebody to fetch you, to bless you. Amen? Somebody say, track me down, God. Track me down, God. Here I am. How you gonna know it's me? I'm in Lodabar. I'm rejected. I'm forgotten about." [28:16]
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